The men on the moon: Astronauts reunite for NASA's 50th anniversary

Ohio has given birth to more than it's fair share of astronauts, with two of the most notable Neil Armstrong and John Glenn calling the Midwestern state home.

It was only fitting then that Ohio be the location for a historic gathering of 19 astronauts to mark NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations last night.

Moon walkers: Neil Armstrong, John Glenn Jr and James Lovell share memories of their space adventures in Ohio

Among the astronauts, were Mr Armstrong, the first man to walk the moon, John Glenn Jr., the first American to orbit earth, and James Lovell commander of Apollo 13.

To mark half a century, NASA has organised a year-long program of events including a lecture series on topics such as space exploration in the global economy, a space aircraft design competition for students, and a climate time machine that tracks changes in global conditions over time.

Historic: The Apollo 11 lunar module ascends from the surface of the moon carrying Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin

Mr Armstrong created history in 1969 when he was chosen to command Apollo 11, the first manned mission to the moon.

As he took his first lunar step, Armstrong uttered the famous words: 'One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind'.